Reel Time Fishing Charters Customer Testimonials

Port Phillip Bay - Portland - Westernport Fishing Charter Reviews

Here at Reel Time Fishing Charters in Victoria, Specialising in Port Phillip Bay Snapper, King Fish, Whiting, Squid and Gummy Sharks. We receive many emails and Social Media feedback from happy and satisfied customers. It really does mean a lot to us as we are so passionate about what we do and work very hard to make sure you have a great time aboard our Famous Fishing Charter's both in Melbourne & Portland, but don't just take our word for it!

Hi, a quick note to say thank you to Matt and Theo for yesterday’s Port Phillip Bay Snapper fishing charter. We had our best fishing trip yet, in terms of enjoyment and catch. Matt and Theo were terrific. Helpful, knowledgeable and lots of fun. Even Steve caught fish. We will book a tuna charter with you for April 2015, and we are hoping we can once again get Matt and Theo. Cheers, Simon

Brent wrote...

Hi guys, just a quick email to say thanks for such a great day on board Reel Time yesterday! My dad and I were on the charter and we were on the fish first spot, everyone went home with at least 2-3 good size Port Phillip Bay Snapper and the crew were guns. I bought the fathers day voucher and I will now be coming back again soon. Thanks, Brent

Predrag wrote...

Hi Matt, Thank you very much for a great fishing trip yesterday. I had a time of my life. It was my first tuna fishing ever, but definitely not the last one, I am hooked now. Your service was second to none and I will strongly recommend Reel Time Fishing Charters to all my friends. I am looking forward for future fishing trips on Port Philip Bay and Westernport and most definitely Portland. Much appreciated, and once again many thanks. Regards, Predrag

Veronica wrote...

Hi Matt, Just wanted to email you in regards to the charter I was booked on. My husband and I were so happy with the morning and outcome. The staff were great, boat is amazing and we caught! We had a great time and loved the fact we were not over crowded! Will definately be a repeat customer. Also to book a charter for a group of friends (private) what is the price and amount of people allowed etc.. As we have bragged about it some family and friends have requested I find out a price so we can book it!! Cheers, Veronica

Pun wrote...

Hi Matt & Mel, Just a quick email to say that both me and my son had a great fishing trip on Saturday with Boulton. Tough conditions and we were just about the only boat out there. Must say Aleks had the luck out fishing Boulton on the day but Boulton did get the bigger fish. We will organize for another trip soon for whiting so we’ll catch up then. Have a great day. Best Regards, Pun

Colin wrote...

Hello Everyone,Just wanted to drop a line (No pun intended) and say thank you to Matt & Mitch regarding the charter on Saturday.Both my son and I had a great time and I would not hesitate in recommending you to anyone.Thanks for the fishing, the professional attitude and help on the day.We hope to arrange another trip in the near future. Once again thank you.

Adrian wrote...

This was the first time I experienced Matt Cini. You don't meet Matt, you experience him. Never met a guy so passionate and excited about fishing, made the whole charter trip a time to remember. Yes the 15+kg Gummy was a bonus, only wish my son Ben had caught it. Definitely will be a customer for life.

Ren wrote...

Hey Matt, Just wanted to thank you again for an awesome fishing charter. After getting a voucher for a charter for Father’s Day, I was a bit apprehensive about going due to some previous experiences I had. Without naming any one, we were taken out to a location and sat there for the entire charter and caught 2 fish for the entire boat. However, after seeing the passion and knowledge you have for your business and fishing, I am in the process of organising a full boat charter. I was impressed with the way that you remembered everyone’s name on the boat and this made everyone on an individual charter feel that they were the most important person there, not only that, but we were provided with top quality equipment and provided an insight on how you plan to improve trips to ensure the highest possibility of catching your targeted fish. Even when we stuffed up, tangles, wrong rod holders, dropping baits before we were supposed to (oops that was me), either Aleks or yourself took the time to explain this to us in a professional and respectful manner. What really was impressive is that it seems like a standard thing for you to chase the targeted fish, that is something that others do not seem to do, even if we had not caught fish I would have walked off the boat satisfied that you had done your best to get a hook up. But to be part of seeing a whole rack of rods go off, man that will stay with me forever. Thanks for helping me get my first snapper(s), and for sure this will not be the last time I fish with you. It was an insane experience. Thank you.

Mick wrote...

Hi Mel, I was on the afternoon session with Matty B yesterday and although it was a bit bumpy, he put us onto some great snapper. All guests on board were really friendly and we all caught a fish each. Mitch was good too. I recognised him from tv! I said to him, "you're on tv, you're a superstar" and he took it all in his stride. He worked well on the boat. Sometimes I wish I could be a decky with Reel Time! So thanks to all the Reel Time crew for a top effort. I hope to catch a bag of Whiting now so I'm looking forward to booking that! Thanks again, Mick

Dave wrote...

Dear Matt, Matt B and Mel, Just a quick note of thanks again for the great information on Snapper when I attended the Snapper tutorial on 13 October. Last Friday was my first opportunity to try the theory. We fished off Carrum in 18.4m, early morning just on the tide change. I bagged out in 2 hours and between the 3 of us, had 6 for the boat including a triple play (without losing a fish)! The fish weighed in between 3.1 kg to 4 kg on the scales at the ramp. With 31 Boats around us (yes I counted them) we ‘appeared’ to be the only one’s catching them around us consistently. Thanks again! Regards, Dave

Richard wrote...

Hi Mel, Matt (the Genie Cini) & Matt (Boultini), Just wanted to thank you all very much for organising such a wonderful afternoon of fishing Reel Time Style for our xmas break up. It is such a pleasure to deal with such great people who are very passionate and professional in every part of their business. Although the conditions were tough, it just seemed to make the trip out more of an adventure and added something to the day. Once again the boys got the rods bending and put us on the fish. The food was fantastic and was quickly eaten once we got the pick down. l have had calls today from some of the boys to say that it was the most fun they have ever had. l guess that makes us all feel rather good inside. l personally as a very keen angler have watched your business grow over the past 10 years and congratulate your achievements and wish you every success for the future. Best wishes and may your xmas be magical in so many ways. Cheers, Richard

George wrote...

Hey Matt, What a great day. Thanks. The tuition was worth every dollar I spent, you taught me many techniques that I will now use and hope that I can catch fish as good as we did that day. I’m going to spend more time finding fish rather than “joining the other boats”. I had a crack Saturday and used the Snapper Snack, tried sounding up snapper but seem to have a bit trouble anchoring over the mark. More practice, can’t wait to have another go. Who knows I’ll probably see you on the water soon, seems we’ve been running into each other since Tuesday, Nautek and then Launching Way tackle shop. Regards, George

Damien wrote...

Me and a couple of mates went out Snapper fishing with Reel Time for my birthday. The first day we caught no fish due to the weather which sucked! But Matt was kind enough to take us out again where we bagged out in an hour and had a feast on Snapper that night. We had an amazing day and heaps of fun for my birthday.

Greg wrote...

Just now finished re-filleting, cleaning and packing. Thanks for a great day- the boys loved it. Especially poor old Kev. Eric is a convert – talking about setting up a Tuna trip now with me and his mates from Warragul. He also appreciated the personal effort you make. You will continue to be a success! I will look fwd to the pics. Regards, Greg

Jason wrote...

Went out with my Dad and brother for a Christmas present and had an awesome time. Bagged out in 30 minutes and caught my very first Snapper, best fishing day ever!

Bryce wrote...

For the best birthday present ever we went Snapper fishing with Matt and bagged out as usual. It was a great day and I ended up talking with Matt when we got back in and he asked me if I wanted to decky for him the next day. The morning was slow with only six or seven fish and it was rough but the afternoon was probably the best Snapper session I've ever been in!! It was insane and we bagged out nine people including Matt and I... 27 Snapper in 20-30 minutes! Couldn't keep up!

George wrote...

Had an awesome experience fishing with Reel Time Fishing Charters! We headed out through Hastings early in the morning and when the skipper has a smile on his face, you gotta bet he senses something! We were not disappointed... a 16kg Gummy and a 10kg Gummy! Lots of laughs and most importantly great company. Thank you Reel Timers, you guys rock!!

Gavin wrote...

Hi Mel, Matt & Matt, I'd like to thank the 'Genie' and 'Ladyboy' personally for a very humorous and enjoyable trip on Saturday morning. Despite the chilly conditions, I think the whole family were thrilled to get out and land a few good fish together. Better than sitting on the beach at Frankston going tag team changeovers in the little boat 3 or 4 at a time. Paul was impressed and can now see the benefits of paying for a charter ie. the experience, bottom features, anchoring, rigging and baiting up tips. You can bum around in your local waters at your own expense for years without coming up with results like that! We finished up taking home 2 Flathead and 58 Whiting, plus the handful that you and the pelican kept for lunch. Must have totalled about 70 all up? Paul was still finishing off the skinning and pin boning of fillets at 6:30pm Saturday night as we were hopping on a plane back to Queensland. Looking forward to future visits to Melbourne to book the boat again for a crack at the Snapper, Gummies, or whatever is in season. Regards, Gavin

Jason wrote...

I came to Australia to study and fishing is in my veins. I found Reel Time Fishing Charters online and made a booking for the first time. I had no car to travel to Hastings at that moment. I woke up at 3am to get prepared and walk towards the nearest train station, Alemain for the first train available. I had to travel four hours to Hastings by train (mostly waiting) and dragging my 50L cool box with me. Finally I arrived at Hastings for the first time in my life, Matt Cini greets me with a smile and the charter kicks off. The King George Whiting was in a frenzy and I had an awesome day meeting new people and we bagged out! I met some really nice folks that gave me a ride home before I had to drag my 50L with 20 King George Whiting home. From that day on I never book other charters but only Reel Time Fishing Charters!

Amanda wrote...

I caught my first Snapper on a Reel Time charter in November last year when I shouted my son in law, Tim a charter for his birthday. We both had a ball and our Snapper fed the whole family for Tim's birthday dinner. I love to fish on my day's off and would dearly love to do a Portland charter and catch my first Tuna.

Tony wrote...

I love Reel Time for the variety of charters they have and their great success rate. I have brought many friends and family out on charters and we have always had a memorable time. It is fantastic to see the smiles on their faces holding a magnificent fish. Mel, Matt, Matt and the crew make a tremendous team!

Simon wrote...

Just dropping a quick email to say I was lucky enough to go on a charter with work on Reel Time #2. I just want to say how good Matty and Mitch were on the day. Matt was very freindly and was only too happy to help out with some little tips on Snapper. He put us on the spot and we picked up about 25. I think you have a great partner "Geenni" lol and should be happy to know he is doing a great job skippering Reel Time #2. So thanks again Matt and I am happy to recommend Reel Time to anyone who wants to do a charter as it was a great day! I will say g'day next time I see ya's out on the bay. Kind regards, Simon

Bruce wrote...

I had a fantastic day out, home happy and with a nice bag of fish to eat.. be back next season for sure.

Regan wrote...

Hi Mel, Thanks for a great trip! Everyone had an awesome time and was impressed by the set up and skills of the skippers. It was also great to see some snapper coming over the sides. We are very keen to get back out there! Thanks, Regan

Roy wrote...

G'day team, I would just like to write this for my great fishing buddy and son of my nephnew, Brooklyn. I'm very proud of his capture! We went on Reel Time #2 on Queen's birthday weekend and his fish went 18kg and fought like a train but he did a great job to land it. Thanks for reading my report and hopefully he makes the reports cheers. He is also pictured here with his great buddy and my son, Jesse. They caught one each that day and lucky enough to hook up a couple, too much boating traffic out there on that day. Cheers, happy regular report reader and avid fisherman, Roy.

Andrew wrote...

Hi Mel, I wanted to take a minute to say thanks for the great service on our charter last Saturday. We unfortunately were unlucky and didn’t manage to even get a bite. Despite this, I wanted to say thank you for the help and advice from yourself and especially the great service from both Matt and Aleks on the day. We were all very disappointed, as you could understand, but the guys were great. Thanks again and without a doubt, we will be back next season to try and get ourselves a few nice Tuna's. Kind regards, Andrew

Russell wrote...

Hi Matt and the team at Reel Time, Thanks for a fantastic morning last Saturday, it was amazing to actually go fishing and not only catch fish but to have an amazing and enjoyable experience as you can see by the smile on my wife, Heba's face. We have highly recommended you to a few friends already and I will definitely be back again. Kind regards, Russell

David wrote...

Hi Matt, Thanks for yesterday, I greatly enjoyed listening to your wise words about whiting fishing and can't wait to put the theory into practice. Thanks again for a great day and I look forward to seeing you out on the water.

Dinesh wrote...

Hi Matt/Mel, Just wanted to say what a great time I had on the snapper tuition session today with Matt and sidekick Mitch. It’s actually great not to skipper your own boat and concentrate on the fishing. On top of that we all bagged out and I found out that a couple of us shared the same birthday! However the proof of the pudding was the look on the crowd at the boat ramp when we stepped off with our bags of reds. Like some of your other clients that wrote in earlier I seemed to have misplaced my factsheet in the excitement when I stepped off the boat and I was wondering if one could be emailed to me. Also wondering if Matt could post the photo up of the “bagged out” tuition crew from today. I know you guys are absolutely flat out at the moment so no rush.

Will definitely look into doing this again and thanks again Matt (and young Mitch who I forgot to thank) for looking after us. “I’m having fish tonight!”

Hunting Fishing Australia wrote...

Thanks again Matt, saying your'e a freak at your job is an understatement. Must recommend to all fishos, pay the money and do a tuition with this bloke, he is a gun. Thanks again.

Nick wrote...

Thanks for a great day on Wednesday doing the Snapper clinic. I had a fantastic day and learnt heaps. I went out the next day off Black Rock. Found some fish using the sounder and caught a couple of nice Snapper. Kind regards, Nick

John wrote...

Hi Matt/Mel, On behalf of the team at Breadsolutions, I just wanted to say thanks for a great charter on Friday. My team were all wrapped with the results and had a great morning's fishing. Attached is a photo of the happy lads. We look forward to booking a few more in the future. Cheers

Simon wrote...

Thanks heaps for today Matt and Mitch, Had a great day and picked up alot now we are just keen to get out and put it into practice. Kinda lost or forgot my info sheet, was wondering if you would be able to email me another copy or I can wait and chase it up off the boys just thought you might have it on file.

Thanks again for a great, informative session

Rick wrote...

Hi Matt and Mel, Finn and I had a fantastic time last Thursday and he hasn't stopped talking about all the big fish he caught since he got home. Matt, you were great with him and he loved every minute and it was the highlight of his trip - better than the wedding. No doubt next time he comes he will want to go again. It was a good bunch of guys to be with and worked out so well for everyone. Thanks again and we would love to see the pics you took. Cheers, Rick (U.S.A)

John wrote...

Hi Mel, We had a great time yesterday, and learnt a lot. Can you let me know when the tuition charter dates for Western Port are available.

Anthony wrote...

Thanks for an awesome trip today Matt and Matt. We learnt alot, now to put it into practice! Highly recommended charter for anyone needing a little help with their fishing.

Wayne wrote...

G’day Matt, Just gotta tell you again that the charter you took us out on was sensational.. We all got heaps out of it. It was especially cool to run through the theory of how to target Snapper then two hours later it was all 100% proved and we were busy landing fish.. Gotta love it!!! Thanks again Matt... still getting through the yummy Snapper!!

Glen wrote...

G'day Matt, We did a tuition charter with you in October just wanted to drop you a line and thank you again we went from 1's and 2's to double figures every trip and I owe it all to you. I now tell everyone no matter what level you're at a lot can be learned on one of your days so thanks again.

Phillip wrote...

Hi Matt, I would like to thank you for your excellent snapper tuition course, the first time I went out after the course I sounded for snapper, found them and caught one. On the day we were talking about a whiting tuition day, have you come up with anything yet? Thanks again

Paul wrote...

Hi Matt and Mel, Thank you for a great day out yesterday. Only thing we forgot was the sunscreen. My son will return to the UK today with good memories of his first time out sea fishing. Good skippering and advice. Again thank you and feel free to use this for any advertising or reference purposes.

Andrew wrote...

Hiya Matt & Mel, Just a quick note to let you know that I had a great time on the Snapper Tuition Charter last Wednesday. The main thing I learnt was that I was previously doing everything perfectly right up until I actually launched my boat. Everything after that was a disaster. Thanks Matt for all you taught me. I'm positive now I'll bring in Snapper this season. Looking forward to booking a Gummy tuition charter for the New Year which I'll do in the coming weeks. Cheers guys

Marc wrote...

Morning, We had a great day on the water last Thursday, it was informative and beneficial to learn the factors we will be paying more attention to.

Ash wrote...

Went on a Charter today with Reel Time Fishing Charters targeting Whiting in absolutely terrible cold, rain and windy conditions. Departed from Sorrento Boat Ramp and I had about 15 minutes to spare before it started so I chucked in my rod off the end of the Boat Ramp and instantly hooked up a Grass Whiting. Got continuous bites but had to get on board as we headed out just off Portsea Pier. The Charter run by Matt Cini had about 6 people so it was a good number with no over crowding. Altogether the group got almost 30 King George Whiting using Calamari as bait, a few Garfish, some Wrass, Grass Whiting and a heap of Australian Salmon thrown back. Matt caught a Dog Shark and cut it loose.

Craig wrote...

Hi Mel, I had a fabulous tuition charter last week. I reckon you guys could charge double per head and still fill each trip - seriously, most of the guys on my trip had $40k+ tied up in boats to catch small flatty... we all gained a lot more value than we paid for. I'm looking forward to my best season ever! I'm planning to book on one of your whiting tuition trips when they come around too.

Darren wrote...

Hi Mel, A massive thanks to Matt for our tuition charter yesterday, we all found it very useful.

Sarah & Danny wrote...

We loved the tuition charter and are feeling very hopeful for the coming season. The notes that Matt had prepared were great and I'm sure that we will refer back to them during the season.

Dave wrote...

Thanks for the informative session. I think I learnt a lot. Now to put it into practice. A shame we couldn't find any fish willing to play the game.

Geoff wrote...

Hi Matt & Mel, Thank you for a very informative time yesterday. It's inspiring to receive and be taught new methods because so many times we think we know it all. Once again thank you and look forward to seeing you out on the water. Best regards to you both.

David wrote...

Matt, thanks for the informative tuition session this morning. I found it very useful and the knowledge that you passed onto everyone should mean we all bag out this season. Can't wait to put some of that knowledge into practice and spend more time on the water. Matt thanks again.

Mark wrote...

Dear Matt, Thanks again for the training charter this morning, learnt a lot.

Joseph wrote...

Hi Mel, Had our charter on Saturday - was great fun. Many thanks :-)

Kruno wrote...

Hi Matt, First of all thank you for a great day out on Friday, I learnt heaps with all the info that you provided us, unfortunately we only caught one fish (even though we sounded heaps. How did you go the morning after?) I went out the next morning but like usual I caught nothing, I suppose my time will come. I still have to get used to my Lowrance HDS5, I need to get out on the water by myself to learn.

Thanks again for Friday and I will see you in November when I am on a charter with you.

Warren & Aaron wrote...

Hello Matt, Thanks for the Tuition on Friday - we learnt a lot and while we didn't get any fish on Sat morning (we saw you out and about) we did sound up what we were pretty sure was fish and did all the right things so we are much more confident that we are on the right track at least.

Thanks again and we will see you on the 15th for our morning charter with you.

Garry wrote...

Thankyou Matt for giving me a lesson on Saturday. I just hope what you told me sinks in. A fan Garry.

Geoff wrote...

Hi Matt, I was on your tuition charter and was quizzing you on setting up my sounder amongst other things, I have taken your advice and it has transformed my sounder into the most valuable piece of gear on my boat, beforehand I was getting a few light ticks here and there on the screen which would always leave you pessimistic. Now I am seeing nice big clear arches almost like it is on simulator mode. I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for this advice as un-biased advice is not really available anywhere else. I can now find fish 100% of the time and had my best fishing day of my life yesterday after anchoring. Thanks again Geoff.